RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed House Bill 958, an election administration measure passed by the General Assembly, and is urging citizens to contact state lawmakers to sustain his action.
Stein announced the decision Monday during a “Protect Our Vote” event at the Executive Mansion, appearing alongside state legislative leaders, community advocates, and student representatives. The vetoed legislation includes provisions that would reduce primary early voting options, modify post-election ballot challenge procedures, adjust local administrative oversight, and update voter registration list maintenance protocols.
“The General Assembly wants to make it harder for people to vote and easier to throw out votes they don’t like after Election Day,” Stein said. “This damaging bill eliminates a week of early voting in the primary, invites sore losers to try to overturn general elections by throwing out people’s votes after the race is over, and sows distrust in our elections. Instead of trying to undermine our democracy to cling to power, the legislature should focus on improving people’s lives and winning elections fair and square”.
Democratic legislative leaders voiced strong support for the executive veto. Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch asserted that the measure was not focused on security, while House Minority Leader Robert Reives emphasized the historical significance of protecting voter access. Reverend James Gailliard and North Carolina A&T student Shia Rozier also spoke at the Mansion event, highlighting the impact of voting regulations on public trust and youth civic participation.
For authoritative details regarding state voting procedures, primary schedules, and official legislative actions, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections or track bill updates via the North Carolina General Assembly Portal.
For additional news coverage surrounding the executive Mansion announcement, you can watch the video below which provides direct footage from the press conference.
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